Northern Health measles numbers remain steady as more cases crop up around B.C.

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Three new measles cases have been identified in B.C., but none of them are within the Northern Health region.

The latest case count update from the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) shows a total of 160 confirmed cases of the virus across the province, up from 157 cases as of the previous update released August 5th.

Two of the newly-confirmed cases were identified in the Interior Health region, while the third was discovered in the Fraser Health area. 

According to the BCCDC, in addition to the new cases, both health authorities currently have an equal number of active cases — two for Interior Health, one for Fraser Health.

The number of probable measles cases remains at 16, all within Northern Health, which also has a confirmed case count of 110. That means the total number of measles cases in B.C. could be as high as 176.

Cases are considered ‘active’ if the patient is within 10 days of the start of their symptoms, or within four days of the onset of a rash. Cases are also considered active for the first 10 days after they’re reported if no information regarding symptoms is available.

Measles symptoms include red, inflamed eyes that are light-sensitive and a rash that usually begins on the face or neck before spreading to the rest of the torso. Other symptoms include a fever, coughing and runny nose.

Anyone experiencing measles symptoms is urged to contact their primary care provider in order to book a test.

To read the full update from the BCCDC, look below.